Pope Francis to Argentinian Newspaper: Pope Has Only One Spokesman

Pope Francis has given an interview to an Argentinian newspaper, and has stressed that no one other than the Vatican Press Office serves as the Pope’s spokesman.

According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis spoke about Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and his relationship with Argentina’s new President, Mauricio Macri, in an interview with the Argentinian newspaper La Nación released on Sunday.

‘Revolutionary’ Benedict

When asked about his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Francis expressed that even if age has affected his movement, “his mind and his memory are intact, perfect.” The Argentine Pontiff called Benedict XVI was “revolutionary,” and said his “generosity was unparalleled.”

“His resignation, which exposed all the problems of the Church, had nothing to do with personal matters,” he added..“It was an act of governance, his last act of governance.”

Reform Reactions

Responding about opponents of his reforms in the Vatican, the Holy Father said they “do their job and I do mine.”

“I want a Church that is open, understanding, which accompanies wounded families,” the Pope said.

“They say no to everything. I continues straight on my way, without looking over my shoulder,” he continued, “I do not cut off heads. I never like to do that. I repeat: I reject conflict.”

Argentina

Much of the interview considered Argentinian issues, and the Pope denied any problems with the new president.

“I have no problem with President Macri,” the Pope explained. “He seems to me a good family person, a noble person.”

While he admitted he had a dispute with him once when he was mayor of Buenos Aires, he pointed out that “one time over a long period is a very low average.”

Only Spokesman

Pope Francis also said that no one speaks for him in Argentina, emphasizing “the Vatican Press Office is the only spokesman for the Pope.